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Radionuclide renal perfusion scan; Perfusion scintiscan – renal; Scintiscan – renal perfusion
A renal perfusion scintiscan is a nuclear medicine test. It uses a small amount of a radioactive substance to create an image of the kidneys.
A renal scan is a nuclear medicine test that shows how your kidneys work. A nuclear medicine technologist injects a small amount of radioactive material into your vein. Then they use a special camera to take pictures of your kidneys. Your healthcare provider uses the results to plan treatments for any kidney issues
How the Test is Performed
You will be asked to take a blood pressure medicine called an ACE inhibitor. The drug may be taken by mouth, or given through a vein (IV). The medicine makes the test more accurate.
You lie on the scanner table shortly after taking the medicine. The health care provider will inject a small amount of radioactive material (radioisotope) into one of your veins. Images of your kidneys are taken as the radioactive material flows through the arteries in the area. You will need to remain still for the entire test. The scan takes about 30 minutes.
About 10 minutes after you receive the radioactive material, you will be given a diuretic (“water pill”) through a vein. This medicine also helps make the test more accurate.
You can return to normal activities right after the test. You should drink plenty of fluids to help remove the radioactive material from your body.
How to Prepare for the Test
You will be asked to drink plenty of water before the test.
If you are currently taking an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure, you may be asked to stop taking your medicine before the exam. Always talk to your health care provider before you stop any of your medicines.
You may be asked to wear a hospital gown. Remove all jewelry and metallic objects before the scan.
How the Test will Feel
You may feel a small amount of pain when the needle is inserted.
You must remain still during the scan. You will be told when you need to change positions.
There may be some discomfort as your bladder fills with urine during the exam. Tell the person conducting the exam if you must urinate before the scan is complete.
Why the Test is Performed
The test evaluates blood flow to the kidneys. It is used to diagnose the narrowing of the arteries that supply the kidneys. This is a condition called renal artery stenosis. Significant renal artery stenosis may be a cause of high blood pressure and kidney problems.
Normal Results
Blood flow to the kidneys appears normal.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal findings on the scan may be a sign of renal artery stenosis. A similar study that does not use an ACE inhibitor can be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Risks
If you are pregnant or nursing, your provider may want to postpone the test. There are certain risks involved with ACE inhibitors. Pregnant women should not take these medicines.
The amount of radioactivity in the injection is very small. Nearly all radioactivity is gone from the body within 24 hours.
Reactions to the materials used during this test are rare but may include rash, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
Risks of a needle stick are slight but include infection and bleeding.
Considerations
This test may be less accurate in people who already have kidney disease. Talk to your provider to determine if this is the right test for you. Alternatives to this test are an MRI or CT angiogram.
FAQ
What is a renal radionuclide scan?
- A renal scan is a nuclear medicine test that shows how your kidneys work. A nuclear medicine technologist injects a small amount of radioactive material into your vein. Then they use a special camera to take pictures of your kidneys. Your healthcare provider uses the results to plan treatments for any kidney issues.
What is the most commonly used radiopharmaceuticals for the renal scan?
- A nuclear medicine renal scan is used to assess blood flow, function, and drainage of the kidneys. The radio-isotope, 99m-Tc, is bound to either DTPA (diethylene triamine peracetic acid) or MAG3 (mercaptoacetyltriglycine) to form the radiopharmaceutical.
How long does a nuclear renal scan take?
- You may be asked to sit or lie down for the exam. Depending upon the type of procedure, renal imaging can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
How do I prepare for a nuclear renal scan?
- Typically, you don’t need to make any special preparations before a renal scan. You can usually eat your normal diet. Sedation isn’t usually necessary. You should tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking.
Why would you need a renal scan?
- You may need a kidney scan if your healthcare provider thinks you may have abnormal kidney function or may need surgery for a kidney problem. Your healthcare provider may use the scan to see how well blood is flowing in your kidneys.
What is the difference between a MAG3 and DMSA scan?
- There were no statistically significant differences between calculated differential functions on DMSA and MAG3 images. The results showed that most of the parenchymal lesions detected on DMSA scans can be identified on MAG3 parenchymal scans.
Can I drive after a renal scan?
- You can go back to your normal activities after having it, as the tracer is removed from your body naturally in urine. This test is safe because it does not have the risk of toxicity or allergic reaction as with IV dyes.
- Kidney Scan Risk
- The amount of radioactive material used is small, so the risk is low. A few people have allergic reactions. You have to stay still during the test, and that’s uncomfortable for some people.
Why do I have to fast for a renal ultrasound?
- Renal (kidney) arteries ultrasound: You will need to fast (have nothing to eat or drink) for 8 hours before the examination to ensure that the renal arteries are not covered by food or fluid.
Can I eat before a nuclear scan?
- Preparing for a Nuclear Bone Scan
- You can eat and drink as you usually would before your scan. You don’t have to do anything special to prepare. But certain things can interfere with the tracer, so tell your doctor if you have: Taken an over-the-counter medication containing bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol)
Can you drink coffee before a bone scan?
- (Diabetics should discuss the preparations with their doctor.) 24 hours before your appointment: Do not do any strenuous exercise or deep tissue massage. Refrain from consuming any caffeine, including any decaffeinated products.
What are the disadvantages of nuclear medicine?
- What are the limitations of General Nuclear Medicine? Nuclear medicine procedures can be time-consuming. It can take several hours to days for the radiotracer to accumulate in the area of interest. Plus, imaging may take up to several hours to perform.
What can show up on a kidney scan?
- A kidney ultrasound may be used to assess the size, location, and shape of the kidneys and related structures, such as the ureters and bladder. Ultrasound can detect cysts, tumors, abscesses, obstructions, fluid collection, and infection within or around the kidneys.
Why would a urologist order a CT scan?
- A CT urogram is used to examine the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. It lets your doctor see the size and shape of these structures to determine if they’re working properly and to look for any signs of disease that may affect your urinary system.
What is the cost of a kidney scan?
- The cost of a DTPA Renal Scan in India varies from ₹ 4200 to ₹ 5130 in 13 cities in India. The lowest price of DTPA Renal Scan, amongst the metro cities, is at Delhi. DTPA Renal Scan Costs ₹ 4200 in Delhi. The market price is much higher at ₹ 7000.
What is the difference between PET and scintigraphy?
- Bone scintigraphy relies on osteoblastic bone response to the tumor, whereas 18F-FDG-PET/CT measures glucose uptake into the tumor itself.
When do you need a DMSA scan?
DMSA scan
